Sunday, November 4, 2012Halftime: Browns keep it close with Ravens
By Jamison Hensley

CLEVELAND -- Some quick thoughts at halftime where the Ravens lead the Browns, 14-9:

The Ravens started off strong, scoring touchdowns on their first two drives. Baltimore scored a touchdown on its opening drive for the first time this season, and rookie Bernard Pierce scored the first touchdown of his career. But Baltimore managed 37 yards in the second quarter, which allowed the Browns to get back in the game.

The Browns, who didn't have a first down in the first quarter, scored on all three of their second-quarter drives. But it was all field goals as Cleveland closed to within five points. Rookie running back Trent Richardson gained 63 rushing yards in the second quarter.

Browns rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden has thrown for more passing yards (129) than Joe Flacco (100) in the first half. Richardson has gained more rushing yards (76) than Ray Rice (66). But the Browns still trail because they couldn't finish off drives. Two possessions ended with third-down passes to Alex Smith in the right flat when he was nowhere close to making a first down.